Why Rodent Control Is Especially Important This Winter

Rodent control is extremely important every year. However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, rodent control is going to be especially important for homeowners this winter.

Every year, when the temperature drops, rodents go searching for reliable food and shelter. Usually, much of this is found in urban areas, as rats and mice naturally flock to restaurants and other businesses where food and shelter are plentiful. However, with the spread of COVID-19 effectively shutting down so many businesses – especially those in the food service industry – hordes of rodents are now being forced to flee urban buildings and seek shelter in residential, even suburban homes instead. Keep reading to learn what you can do to reduce the chances of a rodent infestation occurring on your property, and remember that Frame’s Pest Control is always here to provide the reliable rodents control you need.

How to Reduce the Chances of a Rodent Infestation This Winter:

1. Seal Up Cracks & Holes: Mice can fit through a hole the size of a nickel, while some rats can work their body into an opening roughly the circumference of a quarter. This is why it is extremely important to do everything you can to seal up cracks and holes throughout your property. Look through holes in your pipes and electrical lines, caulk and seal up openings in your crawl space, basement, and garage, and consider weather-stripping doors and windows.
2. Trim Trees & Plants: Rats and mice will often use any overgrown vegetation in your yard as an entryway into your home. This may include tree branches that overhang your roof, or vines, bushes, and shrubs that touch the exterior of your property. Trim trees and plants in your yard and garden at the beginning of winter to prevent rodents from having easy access to your home throughout the season.
3. Do Not Leave Food Out: Leaving out food or dirty dishes is practically like leaving an invitation for rodents (not to mention other pests) to invade your property. Even with the busyness of the holidays, it is important to throw away any unwanted food and thoroughly rinse plates, bowls, cups, etc. before putting them in the dishwasher. You should also take the garbage out as soon as it fills up and never leave dirty dishes in your sink for more than a day or so. Even small food scraps can attract rodents, and the more food you leave lying out, the more likely it is that a mouse or rat will be drawn to your kitchen. Meanwhile, when it comes to food you want to save, make sure to…
4. Tightly Package Leftovers: Food for yourself and your pets should always be stored in hard, airtight containers. It is easy for rodents to chew through paper and cardboard, but it is harder for them to get through plastic, and harder still for them to smell food once it is in an airtight container. Sealing your food up will not only preserve its freshness, but also reduce the chance that any mouse or rat is going to try to get at it. Remember, this is extremely important since rodents carry diseases that can not only be passed through direct contact, but also through the traces of urine and feces they leave behind.
5. Have Your Insulation Inspected: The insulation in your attic represents the perfect, hidden, warm spot for rats and mice to make a nest in. Not only will rodents interfere with your home comfort by destroying your insulation, they’ll also force you to pay a lot to clean up the damage they leave behind. Look for traces of rodent urine and feces at the beginning of the winter season, and if you find any, make sure to call a professional right away. Remember, where there’s one rodent, there’s often another, so never hesitate to have our expert exterminators at Frame’s Pest Control come to take a look at your property.
6. Declutter Your Storage Areas: This point relates to the above one, and how rodents love to camp out in the least visited places of your home. But in addition to airing these spaces out and making sure they are well-ventilated, you will also want to remove clutter from them wherever possible. Old boxes full of paper and fabrics are prime locations for rats and mice to create their nests, and the less clutter there is overall, the less room there is for these nasty critters to hide.
7. Keep Attics, Basements, Crawlspaces & Garages Well-Ventilated: As mentioned above, rodents usually enter your home through cracks and crevices, and hide out in dark corners where you are less likely to find them. Therefore, it is important to monitor attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages closely. You should also try to air out these areas, as rodents love dank, dark spaces, and are less attracted to fresh, dry settings. In your attic, temperature control is particularly important, as rats and mice are known for nesting in insulation and creating a big mess.

For a free phone estimate, call Frame’s now at (419) 495-8283. You can also click here to request service online.